Many people have made the observation that the Skyforge class
system is non-traditional and unique for an MMORPG. Our
decision to design our class system this way was influenced by
changes we see in gamers. In recent years we’ve seen a
change in the way people play games, specifically, with the new
found popularity of MOBA games. They have fast become the most
popular online games and are consistently beating records for
participation in various tournaments.

One particular feature that we really like about these types of
games is that players are not required to select one specific
character for each subsequent game session. At the start of each
battle, the gamer can select the class that best suits the battle
or simply because they like a certain class. In Skyforge we
have kept this feature – players will have constant access to
all classes, without the need to progress each class
individually!

Remember that when starting a typical MMORPG you are faced with
a difficult choice: mage, warrior, archer, thief, and many other
classes that look very appealing in their game descriptions.
But it becomes even more difficult in class selection when they are
further divided by race, so that even if you know you are going to
play as a mage you would have to go to the trouble of selecting
between an elf mage or a human mage. Let's say that on a whim
or after reading through dozens of forum guide pages you select a
class and then after spending a month or two developing your
character you gradually realize that you do not like it.
There could be many reasons for this, but the outcome is the same-
you will have to start over and develop a new character.

When you enter the world of Skyforge for the first time you will
not have to make this critical and permanent decision. For
example, you could choose a Cryomancer, play for half an hour and
change your class to a Lightbinder or even a Paladin, if long-range
combat is not your thing. There is always the ability to
change your class and with time, as you develop your character,
more and more classes will become accessible.

In Skyforge classes are divided into several groups depending on
access level. Beginners have access to three classes at the start
of the game – Lightbinder, Paladin and Cryomancer.
Gradually, after completing various adventures and receiving
rewards, intermediate and advanced classes, with 5 in each, become
accessible. For example, a Berserker is an intermediate class and
it will take several days from the start of the game to gain access
to it. However, to play as a Gunner you would have to spend several
weeks developing your character because it is in the advanced
group.

Moreover, as we have already said you can change your class
anywhere and at any time as long as you or your group is not in
combat. You do not need to waste time going to a special
place in a certain town – you can change class whenever and
wherever necessary.

For many players our class system opens new horizons, but those
that stick to one role probably ask why is this change necessary if
I am just going to play with long range combat classes? The answer
to that lies in the fact that there is a large number of classes
with one role but each of them have their own unique
qualities. Cryomancer and Gunner are both long range combat
classes, but they are completely different in terms of style and
gameplay. If you like to smash enemies that cross your path
without stopping before anyone, a Gunner is an ideal choice. If you
prefer positional combat, then a Cryomancer is an excellent
candidate due to its crowd control skills. A Lightbinder is not
just a DD, but also an excellent support class with additional
protection skills. Close combat classes can also differ greatly
from each other. For example, a Paladin is a DD oriented towards a
single target. However, a Berserker will feel fairly comfortable in
combat with a large number of opponents because its skills are more
focused on area damage. Players will find their own entertainment
here: by progressing this and other classes, they will gradually
master a role, perfecting the art of close or long range
combat.

You can focus on maxing out your character by playing and
developing one type of class, but there is also the option of going
further and developing classes which fit other roles in a group. In
many MMORPGs you may have come across groups that needed to fill a
specific role. “Need Tank Last Slot!”. Sound
familiar?

In this case several people can wait for hours for a tank to go
on an adventure. In Skyforge the risk of not finding the required
class is very minimal – in all likelihood you’ll have a
friend or someone already in the group who has opened and developed
the required class. And even if they have not it only takes a few
minutes to become a Paladin and open up the first few skills in the
Progress Chart. The class switch system is designed so that even
when you first switch classes from a class you’ve developed,
the new class you switch to will also be as developed. This is
because the main attributes are tied to the character and not the
class. We have written about this in more detail in the article on
the
Ascension Atlas.

Have you ever come across a situation inside a dungeon where the
boss stubbornly defeats the entire group and even switching
tactics, maximum buffs and using potions do not make any dramatic
difference? After trying a few more times, players often leave
empty-handed deciding to try the adventure again later.

In Skyforge, changing classes opens up dozens of new strategies
in raids or even against regular monsters. If a boss has increased
resistance to long distance attacks - you need to switch to
Berserker or Paladin and inflict damage close range. There
are many examples of this type of strategy, teamwork as well as
effective class redistribution that can decide the outcome of a
battle.

Tactics are also important in PvP! In addition to the obvious
advantage in battles you should not forget about the strategic
basis for a class selection. During battle at the Ring of Immortals
arena, players need to capture strategic points. If you want
to get the enemy out of an occupied area, it is easier to do so
with a Gunner and Lightbinder, but to maintain your hold of the
point you will need another combination – for example a
Berserker and Lightbinder. There are many options; teamwork
and player ingenuity will also play an important role. Thus, in
Skyforge there cannot be a good or bad class for PvP and victory
depends solely on your skill.

When you select a class in the game you will always know that
you’re not locked into that class. For you can switch to
another role and open a new world for you by playing for another
class. Tactics in PvP and raids, game diversity, development of new
builds - all this is possible with the opportunity to change
classes at any moment.